> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theculpernetwork.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMS & A2P Outreach

> Send compliant political text messages to voters using A2P 10DLC.

SMS is the highest-engagement outreach channel for political campaigns. Culper handles the compliance infrastructure so you can focus on the message.

## What is A2P 10DLC?

**A2P** (Application-to-Person) **10DLC** is the FCC-mandated registration system for sending campaign text messages from a 10-digit long code (a regular-looking phone number). Without it, carriers will block your messages.

Culper manages the registration process — you just need to provide your campaign details.

## Setup: A2P Registration

This is a one-time process that takes **5–10 business days**.

1. Go to **Dashboard → Settings → SMS**
2. Click **Begin A2P Registration**
3. Complete the form:
   * Campaign name and EIN (if available)
   * Your campaign type (candidate, PAC, political party)
   * A sample message you plan to send
   * Opt-in method description (how voters gave consent)
4. Submit — Culper files the TCR (The Campaign Registry) registration on your behalf

<Warning>
  **You must not send campaign texts until A2P registration is approved.** Carriers will filter/block unregistered political messages, and you may be flagged for violations.
</Warning>

## TCPA compliance

Every SMS you send must comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA):

* **Prior express written consent** is required for each voter you text
* All **STOP replies** are honored immediately and automatically
* Opt-outs are added to a **global suppression list** — they cannot be overridden per campaign
* Culper adds consent language to your opt-in flows automatically

<Warning>
  Political campaign texting without documented consent is one of the most common causes of TCPA lawsuits. Culper's suppression system is non-optional — never attempt to work around it.
</Warning>

## Sending a text blast

Once A2P is approved:

1. Go to **Dashboard → Outreach → New SMS Campaign**
2. Select a voter list (only voters with a mobile phone and SMS consent are included)
3. Write your message (max 160 characters per segment)
4. Preview the send count and estimated cost
5. **Send** or **Schedule**

## Personalization

| Token                | Replaced with       |
| -------------------- | ------------------- |
| `{{first_name}}`     | Voter's first name  |
| `{{candidate_name}}` | Your candidate name |

## Door-follow SMS

From the mobile walk app, volunteers can send an immediate follow-up text to a voter who wasn't home. This uses the same A2P registration and suppression list.

## Opt-out handling

When a voter replies **STOP**, **UNSUBSCRIBE**, or similar:

* They are immediately added to the global suppression list
* Future campaigns cannot text them
* You can see the opt-out count in each campaign's stats